Sales Associate/Engraver

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in a retail store and/or warehouse environment with exposure to everyday risks and discomforts, and requires the use of normal safety precautions. Work also involves operating engraving machinery, which requires the use of special safety precautions.

Work may require frequent walking, standing, bending, heavy lifting, carrying items 25 to 50 pounds, and physical dexterity to climb ladders with boxes of merchandise, as well as regular use of typical office equipment, software programs, and methods of communication such as a computer, email, telephone, photocopier, and fax machine. Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required for performance of duties.

Work also requires physical presence in the office, except as otherwise required by the Office of the Secretary. Warehouse work exposes employee to dust, paper cuts, and splinters. Engraving work is done with mild chemicals that emit a small amount of fumes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Work requires a high school diploma or GED, with one to three years of retail experience (including warehouse and inventory experience), prior engraving experience desired, and the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: Ability to provide prompt and courteous customer service and resolve customer issues. Ability to deal with others using tact and diplomacy. Ability to use engraving equipment and applicable computer software. Knowledge of graphic design techniques and computer software.

Ability to operate engraving equipment and various retail and office equipment to include cash registers and inventory-tracking equipment. Ability to use creativity and originality when interpreting engraving requirements. Ability to follow departmental rules, regulations, procedures, and functions. Ability to use computer and relevant computer software programs. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Knowledge of store merchandise and its warehouse storage location.

Ability to accurately process cash and credit card transactions. Ability to operate cash registers and inventory tracking equipment. Basic knowledge of the Senate as an institution preferred, with a desire and willingness to learn more about the legislative process, as well as the history and operation of the Senate. LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS None.

This is retail, engraving, and customer service work assisting Senate staff and customers with gift items. Other duties include assisting with the maintenance of store and warehouse inventory. Work is bound by Secretary of the Senate policies and procedures; the U.S. Senate Handbook; and the Senate Ethics Manual, but requires independent judgment in setting priorities and handling assignments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Perform functions of sales associate; provide customer service to patrons of the store; process cash and credit card transactions, provide customers with receipt and return policy, determine shipping charges, and prepare items to ship to customer.

Assist customers with gift selection, special requests, inquiries, purchases, and returns; inform customer of custom options, shipping, engraving, and additional product information; resolve customer complaints; and process mail orders transacted by phone or in person.

Fulfill engraving orders for the Senate Gift Shop; determine ability to engrave on various items due to size/shape of item and composition of item; prioritize engraving orders; adjust engraving equipment and computer settings to process engraving requests; consult with front office on questions regarding order; maintain engraving files; coordinate with vendor to have artwork digitized; maintain files of digitized information; and return completed orders to front office for final processing.

Track inventory of merchandise; notify warehouse personnel and front office of reordering needs; and assist Inventory Control Specialist with warehouse responsibilities for all Gift Shop merchandise. Maintain current knowledge of the Gift Shop’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and Continuity of Operations (COOP) plan; participate in periodic exercises and drills. Provide all customers with the highest level of customer service.